Choosing the right color should be fun. But too often, it becomes a spiral of second-guessing, over-sampling, and asking yourself questions like “is this green too green?” We’ve been there. From restoring 140-year-old brownstones to refreshing rental bedrooms, we’ve learned how to choose interior paint colors without losing our cool (or repainting three times). Here’s how to find the right shade for your space.
We have learned to embrace color at projects like Carroll Jardin and Bedstuy Brownie. We are also currently renovating our parlor floor with a vibrant color that has transformed the space. Check out our parlor floor renovation vlogs!
1. Start with the Feeling, Not the Color
Before you pick a swatch, decide how you want the room to feel. Calm and cozy? Bright and fresh? Dramatic and sexy?
Once you lock in the vibe, color families start to reveal themselves.
- Soft whites and pastels = airy and relaxed
- Earthy greens and taupes = grounded and warm
- Deep blues and smoky charcoals = moody and bold
Your goal isn’t to pick a “perfect” shade—it’s to pick a color that supports how you live in the space.
2. Let the Architecture Guide You
In older homes (hi, brownstones!), walls aren’t just walls. The floors, moldings, and millwork already bring the drama—your paint should complement, not compete.
Warm-toned wood floors? Skip cool grays. Try a neutral with a creamy or green undertone instead. Gorgeous crown molding? Paint it in a contrasting finish to really show it off.
We love using color to highlight the bones of a room—not flatten them.
3. Always Test in Your Space
The same color will look completely different in different lighting. North-facing rooms can cool things down; south-facing rooms warm them up. We always keep a stash of warm LED bulbs to test colors at night. Swapping bulbs is easier than repainting a room.
Buy 2–3 samples and paint large swatches on multiple walls—or use removable swatches you can move around. Check them in morning, afternoon, and evening light. We always keep a stash of warm LED bulbs to test colors at night. Swapping bulbs is easier than repainting a room.
4. Don’t Forget the Finish
Finish matters. A lot. It can totally change how a color looks—and how durable it is.
- Flat/matte hides flaws, great for old walls
- Eggshell is soft and versatile, good for most rooms
- Satin/semi-gloss is durable and cleans easily—perfect for trim, kitchens, and baths
We typically go eggshell for walls and semi-gloss for moldings to give that subtle contrast and polish.
A Few of Our Favorite Go-To Shades
Just in case you need a jumping-off point, here are a few interior paint colors we reach for again and again:
School House White by Farrow and Ball
Inchyra Blue by Farrow and Ball
